Obsidian Waiheke Island Vitreous 2015 $31.50 A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this is how classic Bordeaux-style reds are composed. Aromatically this wine is mindblowingly elegant and hearty at the same time. I love the lithe, slippery texture, peppery mid-palate and marathon-like length of flavour. Gorgeous.
Author: Yvonne
Pencarrow Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Pencarrow Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $12.99 (Advintage.co.nz) Classic herbaceous nose, bruised basil and bouquet garni notes merge with lemon pith and passionfruity flavours, juicy citrus and lashings of cut grass goodness on the palate. Suitably squinty acidity adds length to the finish. It’s a crowd-pleaser. www.palliser.co.nz
Peregrine Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Peregrine Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2018 $27 Brand new from the quite frankly, unfairly talented team at Peregrine, comes this elegantly structured yet rock solid sauvignon blanc that’s stacked with citrus, capsicum, fennel and white pepper on the nose. Prepare your palate for passionfruit, lemon and lime leaf notes. and a super-fresh and frisky finish. Great … Read More
Richmond Plains Organic Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Richmond Plains Organic Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $22 Grown in the gloriously weedy, certified organic vineyard owned and lovingly tended by Lars and Sam Jensen, the Richmond Plains sauvignon is nothing short of a Nelson icon. Aromatically it sings with lemon blossom, red capsicum, sugar snap pea and lime notes. Racy acidity, boatloads of florals … Read More
Clos Marguerite Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Clos Marguerite Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $28 Beautifully perfumed, white peach, lemon and lime, zesty herbaceousness and impeccably balanced. Frisky, lemongrassy layers add complexity to the classic basil and tomato leaf notes to make this a ferociously tasty, yet elegant sip. www.closmarguerite.co.nz
O:TU Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013
O:TU Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013 $24.99 Five years sleeping quietly in the bottle has awakened seriously sexy complexity in this sauvignon. Yellow diamond in the glass and erupting with smoky, dried herb notes, white pepper, lemongrass, marzipan and lime curd characters, it’s a generously proportioned sauvignon that has extensive length of flavour. Sauvignon Blanc … Read More
Johner Estate Sur Lie Gladstone Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Johner Estate Sur Lie Gladstone Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $24 Extended time on its lees has given this wine lovely, creamy complexity that cuddles the crisp citrus and floral elements of this sauvignon. It’s an interesting style with some lovely peach and passionfruit pluckiness on the finish. www.johner-estate.com
Misha’s Vineyard The Starlet Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Misha’s Vineyard The Starlet Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $27 Lifted herbaceous notes on the nose, lemongrass, white pepper and lime all lead to a sweetly proportioned palate. Ripe tropical notes give way to intense minerality in the mouth. Made by Olly Masters, this is a unique style of southern sauvignon. www.mishasvineyard.com
Clark Estate Clericus Wild Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Clark Estate Clericus Wild Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $35 Classic barrel fermented, wild-fermented style here, stacked with smoked passionfruit, bruised basil, toasty marzipan notes, soft pepper and lemongrass layers. Named for the most noble and intellectuals in Roman society, this is definitely the thinking persons’ sauvignon. www.clarkestate.com
Ash Ridge Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Ash Ridge Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $21 Lemon, lime notes on the nose and palate, they’re edged with seashell minerality and expect some marzipan and toasty notes from the 85% barrel fermentation as well. It could do with more generosity and freshness in the mid palate however. www.ashridgewines.co.nz